Picking a Business Name

Choosing a Name for Your Business

There’s a lot to think about when naming and branding your business. And believe it or not, I see many get stuck here. I want to assure you, you can change your name and rebrand anytime you want or feel the need too. Many big brands rebrand all the time and so can your handmade business.  So to help you get started, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for a business name.

Business Name Do’s:

• Be original – buyers remember originality. For example, a phrase that is meaningful to you and your history or location.
• Show your style – Are you country, love urban life, quirky, have a love of glitter and glam? If your wreaths are elegant, have an elegant name. If they are rustic, have a country name.
• Make sure it is easy to spell – If you mean wreaths, don’t use wreathz. If you mean doors don’t use doorz. This will only confuse your buyers later who are trying to find you on Etsy and can’t remember the exact spelling of your name.  I really feel that adding your name is a good tactic to hinder others from also using your name; however, I would never use the name JulieSiomaccoWreaths because buyers can’t remember how to spell my last name but I could use WreathsByJulie.
• Make sure it’s not already taken on social media sites like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. Use the free app https://www.namecheckr.com/ to instantly see where your name is available on social media sites.
• Keep in mind character lengths. For example, Etsy only allows 20 characters.
• Make sure it’s available on Etsy by conducting a quick Etsy search.
• Make sure it’s a name you can grow with and doesn’t keep you stuck in one industry. For example, Julie’s Wreaths, because what if I decide to pivot into another niche such as fake bakes.
• Make it easy for people to remember.
• Words like designs, creations, and boutique will fit a variety of industries.

Business Name Don’ts

• Don’t use special characters or numbers
• Don’t use a spin on something to be cute (i.e., doorz, wreathz, trendz,)
• Don’t use words that no one can spell (i.e., town or city)
• Don’t use words misspelled on purpose (i.e., adoorable)
• Don’t use a name based on your location (what if you move)
• Don’t use words that lock you into ONE industry
• Don’t use a name others use – check out the next lesson on Trademark Research

I’m sure with a little bit of time you’ll come up with a great name but I stress to you not to drag out this process too long because it’s time to get to work!

Check USPTO for Availability

💡 Why Checking Trademarks is Critical

Even if your business name is available on Google, social media, and as a domain, you still need to check if it’s trademarked to avoid legal trouble.

If your name is already trademarked, you could be forced to change it later—even after you’ve built your brand.

Doing a quick trademark search now can save you headaches and legal issues down the road.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll know:
✔ What a trademark is & why it matters
✔ How to check if your business name is already trademarked
✔ What to do if your name is taken

Step 1: What is a Trademark & Why Does It Matter?

A trademark is a legal protection that gives a business exclusive rights to use a name, logo, or phrase in their industry.

🔹 Why this matters for you:

• If a business already trademarked the name, they have the legal right to stop you from using it.
• This means you could face legal action, a cease & desist letter, or even fines if you use a name that’s protected.
• Even if no one has a website or social media using the name, they may still own it legally.

Step 2: How to Check for Trademarks (USPTO Search)

📌 Your Goal: Search for trademarks to make sure your business name is legally safe to use.

🔹 Where to Search:
The best place to check in the U.S. is the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.

👉 Go to: https://tmsearch.uspto.gov

🔹 How to Perform a Trademark Search:
1️⃣ Select “General Search”
2️⃣ In the Search Term Box, type in your business name (try different variations).
3️⃣ In the Field Box, select "Combined Word Mark".
4️⃣ Click Basic.
5️⃣ Click the Magnifying Glass and Review the results to see if a similar business name exists.

🔹 How to Read the Results:
✔ If NO exact match is found: ✅ Great! Your name is likely safe to use.
✔ If an exact or similar match is found: ⚠ Be careful! You may need to tweak your name.

💡 Pro Tip:
If you see a similar name in a completely different industry, you may still be able to use it.

Example: "Bloom & Bow" for wreaths vs. "Bloom & Bow" for a flower shop → Possible conflict!

Step 3: What to Do If Your Name is Taken

🚫 If you find your exact name or something too similar in your industry, here’s what to do:

🔹 Modify Your Name Slightly

• Add a descriptive word: "Rustic Charm Wreaths" → "Rustic Charm Designs"
• Use initials or shorten the name: "Southern Elegance Designs" → "SE Wreaths"

🔹 Pick a New Name (If Necessary)

• If a business has a strong trademark, it’s best to start fresh.

Action Step: If your name is taken, tweak it and redo your USPTO search.

🎯 Final Decision: Is Your Business Name Legally Safe?

Before moving forward, confirm:

✔ USPTO Search: Is your name trademark-free? (Yes/No)
✔ Google & Social Media Checks: Is it available? (Yes/No)
✔ Domain Name Check: Can you claim the .com? (Yes/No)

🔹 If ALL answers are YES → Congrats! Your name is ready to claim! 🎉
🔹 If any answer is NO → Modify and repeat the process.

Secure a Domain Name

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of your website that people type in the browser URL bar to visit your website. In simple terms, if your website was a house, then your domain name will be its address.

I love buying domains that I can brand as my own instead of using other websites URL’s. For example, would you rather tell someone they should go to yourbusinessname.com or yourshopname.etsy.com to buy your handmade product? 

Reasons to buy your own domain:

• Building your reputation with customers
• If something happens to your Etsy shop your customers already know your domain and it can be shifted to another place for them to shop
• You own your domain

How to buy a domain name / URL:

1. Visit GoDaddy.com. Once the home page loads, you’ll see a search bar where you can begin your domain search.
2. Enter your domain in the search bar. Enter your preferred domain name, and click Search. At this point, one of two things will happen: If your domain name is available, great! You’ll be presented with the opportunity to add it to the cart. If your domain name isn’t available, you’ll be prompted to search for a new domain name or select a different variation.
   The good news? Even if your domain name is already taken, GoDaddy’s suggestion tool will list new ideas, with different extensions or variations, that you can review. If you like one of the options, great! If not, enter a few of your other domain options into the search bar until you land on one that’s available.
   
3.  Click add to cart
4. If you want you can register additional extensions to protect your domain
5. Click continue to cart
6. Select a domain privacy plan or click no thanks. (We typically don’t buy this)
7. Do not select “start a free website”
8. Decide if you want to get a professional email address (I do love this and use it, the pricing isn’t that terrible)
9. Click Continue to Cart
10. Complete your purchase

Do I Need to Register My Biz?

📌 Your Goal: Find out how to officially register your business name based on your state’s rules.

🔹 Where to Check State Requirements:
👉 Go to https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business
👉 Scroll down to "Register with state agencies"
👉 Select your state and press submit

👉 The SBA will provide you with a link to your state's requirements.

🔹 What to Look For:
✔ Does your state require DBA registration? (Some states don’t.)
✔ Where do you register? (State vs. county office)
✔ Fees involved (Usually $10-$100)

Need in person help? Book an appointment at your local SBA office: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance